Uttarakhand on High Alert as Rivers Swell Beyond Danger Marks
Rivers across Uttarakhand swelled past warning and danger marks on Thursday, August 6, 2026, following continuous heavy rainfall, prompting authorities to issue alerts, close schools in three districts, and order officials to stay on high alert.
According to the Central Water Commission (CWC), the Alaknanda river at Rudraprayag was flowing at the danger level of 627 metres at 6 a.m. and rising. The Mandakini river was recorded at 626.20 metres at 7 a.m., which is 0.20 metres above its danger level of 626 metres. The Bhagirathi at Devprayag was at the warning level of 462 metres and rising. In Haridwar, the Raisi (Banganga) river was measured at 230.09 metres, 0.09 metres above the warning threshold.
The CWC classifies river levels into warning and danger categories. A warning level signals that flooding is possible if the water continues to rise, while a danger level indicates that flooding is likely or already happening. The latest readings prompted immediate action from district administrations.
Rudraprayag's District Disaster Management Officer Nandan Singh Rajwar directed officials to maintain the highest level of preparedness. He ordered that announcements be made through loudspeakers along riverbanks, advising residents to move to safer locations.
The heavy downpour also severely affected road connectivity, with several key highways blocked. The Badrinath National Highway was blocked near Helang in Chamoli district due to debris. The Gangotri National Highway was closed near Dharasu Nalupani in Uttarkashi district. The Yamunotri National Highway was also blocked at multiple points—Silai Band, Durbil, Jangalchatti and Sayanachatti—because of continuous landslides and debris accumulation.
These highways are vital lifelines for local communities and for pilgrims visiting the Himalayan shrines of Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. The disruptions are likely to affect travel and supply of essential goods in the region.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reviewed the situation with Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman and directed all state agencies to remain on high alert to handle any eventuality.
Mr. Suman said the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an 'orange alert' for heavy rain in Dehradun, Chamoli and Bageshwar districts for Thursday. A 'yellow alert' has been issued for the remaining districts of the state. An orange alert signifies a high likelihood of severe weather, while a yellow alert indicates the possibility of moderately severe conditions. The IMD's colour-coded alert system is part of its impact-based forecasting, helping authorities and the public take timely action. These warnings are meant to help people prepare and take necessary precautions.
In response to the alert, schools up to Class 12 in Dehradun, Chamoli and Bageshwar districts remained closed on Thursday. Mr. Suman appealed to residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel and to check the latest weather and road conditions before embarking on journeys.
Uttarakhand, a Himalayan state, is prone to heavy rains and flash floods during the monsoon season, which typically lasts from June to September. The region's steep terrain and numerous rivers make it especially vulnerable to landslides and flooding. The state has experienced several major flood events in the past, including the devastating 2013 Uttarakhand floods, which claimed thousands of lives. Since then, authorities have improved early warning systems and disaster response mechanisms.
Local officials and disaster management teams remain deployed in vulnerable areas. The CWC continues to monitor river levels and will provide updates as the situation evolves. Residents living near riverbanks are advised to remain vigilant and follow instructions from authorities.
